Cheese Ball

Here is the recipe for the much requested party cheese ball!

You will need: 

2 8oz. packages of cream cheese (softened)

1 pkg ranch dip mix (1oz)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups chopped pecans or bacon bits.

Directions:

Mix cream cheese, ranch dip mix, and cheddar cheese. Once mixed, form into a ball shape (or any shape!) and roll in either chopped pecans or bacon bits. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.  Here is the one from my graduation party! We have also made football shaped cheese balls for super bowl parties.

Enjoy!

Next to come- Strawberry Pretzel Salad!

New Years Guacamole!!!

There are many ways to make this family tradition (new years)

This is how I have adapted it to our taste...



Ingredients


3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed

1 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup diced onion

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

 
 
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least an hour.   I make this in the morning and it is delectible by evening time (PARTY TIME!!!)   Also, you can not have too much fresh lime juice - in my opinion. Also again, I always double this recipe if it is for more than just me and Nate.
 
Serve with tortilla chips (lime chips are good too) and pig out for the new year!!!
 
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Roma tomato bruchetta

This was as good as some of the bruchetta we tasted in Italy.  Seriously.  It was great!

Ingredients:

crusty italian style bread (i used a fresh loaf of olive oil bread)

Olive oil

4 or 5 ripe roma tomatoes

3 large leaves of basil

1/2 clove of garlic, fresh - crushed then minced as small as you can get it

Slice bread and dip one side lightly in olive oil.  Place oil side up on baking tray (I had parchment paper on my tray, but you could use foil also) and bake for 5 or 6 minutes at 350 degrees. 

While bread is warming, cut tomatoes into small pieces and place in bowl.  Take garlic clove, crush and mince the amount desired.  I used just half because it was a giant clove.  Wash and chop the 3 basil leaves.  Mix all three ingredients in bowl.  drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of oil to help blend flavors. 

At this time, the bread may be done.  Spoon small amount of tomato mixture onto warm bread and serve/eat. 

It is so fresh and reminds me of the bruchetta we had at Tiber campsite restaurant (which was the most delicious in my opinion.)

:)